Workers to Rally at Avondale as part of Save Our Shipyards (SOS) Campaign

Participants to celebrate Navy plan, pledge to do more to save jobs

On Friday, September 24, Avondale workers will hold a rally as part of the “Save Our Shipyards” (SOS) campaign outside the Avondale shipyard. AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker and Metal Trades Department President Ron Ault will join Avondale workers and New Orleans community members.

On the heels of an announcement by the Navy that it would accelerate construction of double-hulled oil tankers to 2014 and save thousands of jobs at the Avondale shipyard, participants will rally to celebrate this victory and reaffirm the need for a long-term solution. The Avondale shipyard was slated to close in 2013 after winding down construction on the last ship orders. Over 5000 workers would be directly affected by the shipyard closing.

“The AFL-CIO applauds the Navy’s recent efforts at Avondale to protect American jobs and maintain the shipbuilding industry in the U.S.” said AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker. “The shipyard industry is a vital lifeline to the Gulf Coast region. This region has been pummeled by disaster after disaster, and the working community in Louisiana cannot afford the massive economic crisis that would result if this shipyard closes.”

Metal Trades Department President Ron Ault hailed the joint efforts of Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu and Rep. Charles Melancon who had persuaded the Navy to alter its ship construction plans to buy Avondale more time. “This has been a team effort between the White House, the lawmakers and the labor movement. This is also an opportunity to examine the status of shipbuilding—America’s only remaining heavy manufacturing industry—and make policy changes that will make it more viable in the future,” Ault said.